By Lamin Kujabi
Muslims elders including members of the Supreme Islamic Council on ‘Koriteh’ day, Sunday, March 30th paid the usual courtesy call on His Excellency President Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul.
The visit was in tandem with the decades-long tradition of Islamic religious leaders paying courtesy call on the President of the Republic on the day of Eid-ul Fitr or Koriteh. The meeting creates the opportunity for the religious leaders to share with the President pertinent societal issues and national interest.
Speaking on the occasion, President Barrow called on Gambians to unite, support one another and maintain peace and stability in the country.
He highlighted his government’s achievements but lamented the lackadaisical attitude of some government employees, who would refuse to diligently carry out their work believing they are doing it for the President.
He called on Gambians to pay their taxes to enable government implement development projects in the country.
On crimes, the President lamented the fact that a lot of them are being committed by Gambians, and thanked the police for the good work they are doing.
President Barrow urged Gambians and Muslims around the world to speak against Israeli brutality on Palestine, demanding that Palestinians must be free.
On his part, Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Lands Regional Government and Religious Affairs, called on Imams to preach peace and the words of God, and not to use their platforms for political speeches.
He also spoke about auto-mechanic garages that have inundated Banjul and Kombo, calling on area councils to remove or control them.
Commenting on this year’s Hajj, the Religious Affairs minister announced that the Hajj fee has been reduced, and that Gambian pilgrims will all stay in one complex, unlike before, when they were staying in different places.
Minister Bah then praised the Imams for their good work during the month of Ramadan and urged them to continue the good work.
Alhaji Essa Darboe, President of Supreme Islamic Council, thanked all those who provided support to Muslims during the holy month of fasting.
He called on Gambians to maintain peace, and unity, and thanked the President and his government for embracing the Supreme Islamic Council as partners in development.
He informed that the council is working on putting up a mechanism that will organise endowment distribution in the country.
Among other speakers was Alhaji Modou Senghore, first Vice Chairman of Banjul Muslim Elders, who voiced out some of their concerns; such as lack of Muslim cemetery, littering of scrap vehicles in the city, and constructions of shops on highways. He also reported that the mortuary at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital is small, and needs expansion.
